Planting:
- Choose a container with a drainage hole in the bottom
- Prepare your container by lining the bottom with a layer of pea gravel
- Add well-draining soil such as cactus soil or potting soil combined with sand
- Remove the succulent from its pot or tray and nestle into the soil of your container
- Maintain soil level (i.e. plant shouldn’t be buried too low in the soil or raised high above the soil)
- Top the soil with a layer of gravel
Light and Temperature:
- Succulents require at least a half day of sunlight. The more light, the better!
- Many succulents are not cold hardy to our region. Anytime the outdoor temperature is below 50°F, bring your planter indoors.
- Succulents like Hens &Chicks and Sedum are cold hardy to zones 3-5. They can overwinter outdoors.
Watering:
- After planting, water thoroughly. Do not allow water to pool on the leaves.
- Thereafter, only water when the soil is dry (i.e. push your finger into the soil to your first knuckle. If your finger-tip feels dry, then you can water). Succulents do not like wet feet.
- Keep planter away from heater vents or blowers that could cause excessive drying You can water with a liquid Miracle Gro solution or something similar every month or two.
Use & Miscellaneous:
- Succulents can be used in a variety of ways, from table top planters to in-ground rock gardens.
- Succulents bloom at different times depending on the variety. The flower is often on a stalk that shoots up from the center of the plant. After the bloom dies, simply pinch off the stem and dis-card.. The plant will fill in with new leaves.
- If your succulents out-grow your planter, or stretch due to insufficient light, simply trim them back with scissors or pruners.
